Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delightful, elegant twist on the traditional Linzer cookies, perfect for holidays, tea parties, or anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet. These cookies feature a rich, nutty almond-flavored dough sandwiched with a layer of tart cherry jam, creating a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The powdered sugar-dusted top, cut to reveal a hint of the cherry filling, makes them a showstopper for any cookie platter. Ready to bake some delicious Linzer cookies? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this stunning treat!

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What Are Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies?

Linzer cookies are a popular Austrian cookie traditionally made with a shortbread-like dough that includes ground nuts, often almonds or hazelnuts. The cookies are typically cut into two shapes—a solid bottom and a top with a small cutout, known as a "window." The two cookies are then sandwiched together with fruit preserves, allowing the filling to peek through the window. In this variation, we use cherry jam to complement the nutty almond dough, adding a burst of color and fruity flavor to these buttery cookies.

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Ingredients List for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies

To make these irresistible cookies, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. The recipe is straightforward, but it’s important to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds depth)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Cherry Filling:

• ¾ cup cherry jam or preserves (choose a good-quality, slightly tart jam)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tartness)

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Substitutions and Variations

If you want to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or try something new, here are a few simple substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg yolk.
• Hazelnut Linzer Cookies: For a nutty variation, use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour. Pair it with raspberry or chocolate filling for a richer flavor.
• Different Fruit Fillings: Swap out cherry jam for raspberry, apricot, or even a chocolate spread if you prefer. You can mix and match jams to offer a variety of flavors.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down the process of making Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies into easy-to-follow steps. This recipe takes a little time due to chilling the dough and assembling the cookies, but the results are well worth it!

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
• Add the egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
• Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use a round or fluted cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out as many circles as possible. Transfer the circles to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Repeat the rolling process with the second dough disk. Using a smaller cutter (like a heart, star, or circle), cut out the centers of half of the cookies to create the “windows” that will reveal the jam filling.

4. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will firm up as they cool.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

5. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

• While the cookies are cooling, gently warm the cherry jam in a small saucepan over low heat to make it easier to spread. If desired, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the jam for extra tartness.
• Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the cookies.

6. Assemble the Cookies:

• Once the cookies are completely cool, dust the tops (the ones with the cutouts) with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish.
• Spread about ½ teaspoon of cherry jam on each of the solid-bottom cookies. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread slightly when you sandwich the cookies together.
• Gently press the powdered sugar-dusted tops onto the jam-covered bottoms, aligning them so the jam shows through the cutout.

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How to Cook Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cookie Dough Preparation: Cream butter, sugar, and egg yolk, then mix in almond flour and all-purpose flour for a rich, nutty dough.
2. Shaping the Cookies: Roll the dough and cut it into rounds, creating small windows in half of the cookies to showcase the cherry filling.
3. Baking: Bake the cookies until lightly golden, making sure they cool completely before assembly.
4. Assembling the Linzers: Dust the tops with powdered sugar, fill the bottom cookies with cherry jam, and gently sandwich them together.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the dough comes together, and avoid handling it too much while rolling.
2. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of the cookies and preventing them from spreading too much in the oven.
3. Overfilling the Cookies: While it might be tempting to load up on cherry jam, too much filling will cause the jam to ooze out and make the cookies messy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Linzer cookies are already a beautiful treat, but with a few extra presentation touches, you can make them even more impressive for any occasion.

How to Serve Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

• Serve these cookies on a festive tray for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter. Their delicate appearance makes them perfect for special gatherings.
• Pair them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of sparkling wine to balance the sweet, tart flavors of the cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies:

• Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a serving plate, showing off the beautiful powdered sugar and cherry jam windows.
• Use a variety of cookie cutters for the windows, like stars, hearts, or flowers, to create a more playful or festive look.
• For an extra touch of elegance, place each cookie in a decorative paper liner before serving.

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Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies Recipe Tips

• Use Cold Butter: If your butter is too soft, the dough will be sticky and harder to work with. Chilling the dough after it’s made helps keep the cookies from spreading during baking.
• Cherry Jam Alternatives: If cherry isn’t your favorite, you can use any tart fruit jam such as raspberry, blackberry, or apricot. Just ensure the jam isn’t too runny, or it may make the cookies soggy.
• Powdered Sugar Duster: Use a fine mesh sieve to evenly dust the powdered sugar on top of the cookies, giving them a polished and professional look.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Linzer cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! Linzer cookies can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the unassembled cookies and sandwich them with jam just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Linzer cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. Thaw and assemble with jam when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the rolling pin?
A: Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, return it to the fridge for a few minutes to firm up again.

Q: Can I use store-bought jam?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought cherry jam works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to use a good-quality jam that isn’t too runny, or it may spill out of the cookie.

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Conclusion

Cherry Almond Linzer Cookies are a delicious and visually stunning treat that combine buttery, almond-flavored dough with sweet-tart cherry jam. These cookies are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress friends and family with a beautiful, homemade dessert. With their powdered sugar dusting and jewel-like jam filling, these cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible Linzer cookies that will quickly become a favorite!

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